Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Farewell Blogger.....



They say all good things must come to an end and that is very true here. Tru School Sports will be leaving blogger and switching to Wordpress so that means our time on blogger is done. Its been a great ride here on Blogger as I visited this page seemingly every day since June 2012 but its time to move on and take things to the next level.



We have had a lot of fun but soon this will all just be a memory as the URL for this site will once again soon read "truschoolsports.blogspot.com". So I hope you continue follow the site as we head into a new era, with a new logo and a new look. This is not the end but rather the beginning of greater things ahead for the TSS family........

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Grammy-Nominated Producer Rey King Names Top 3 Athletes, Releases "Fell In Love" Video

Hip Hop & Sports Connect - Rey King @IAMREYKING


Tru School Sports got a chance to interview one of the best producers in the game, Rey King. When asked who his favorite athletes are he named Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Floyd Mayweather. Rey's a fan of the three athletes he mentioned because of the winning ways they have displayed over history.

Michael Jordan 



                                     The 10-time scoring champion flys in the 1987 dunk contest. 

Lebron James



The best player in the league right now (2013) dunks in a game vs. the Indiana Pacers.

Floyd Mayweather



Undefeated boxing champion Floyd Mayweather rocks his golden gloves. 

In Rey King's new song "Fell In Love" he mentions the Lakers, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. King recently dropped the visual for his "Fell In Love" record. Check it out and let us know what you think. 


Rey King is a Grammy-nominated artist who has credits on projects by artists like Leslie Grace, Rhema Soul,Social Club (F.E.R.N. & Martymar), Cheno Lyfe, Rey Cruz, The Lab, and more. His latest project is titled TLHD (The Love Hate Demos). 

The previous "Hip Hop & Sports Connect" Post: 

About Author:

Paul Martinez is a freelance journalist covering music, sports and entertainment for media outlets like HipHopDX, JamTheHype, TruSchoolSports, and S.O.U.LMAG, among others. He has also written for Rapzilla, GoodNewsFL and FNFLive. Follow the South Florida-based writer on twitter: @paulmartinez305  

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Former NFL Pro-Bowler & Miami Dolphins Great Chris Chambers Talks About His Dolphins Days, Mike Wallace, Place In History & More



Brendan Taylor: What is your greatest memory in a Dolphins Uniform?

Chris Chambers: One of my favorite memories in Miami is breaking the Miami Dolphins Receiving and touchdown catching record in 2005 in a game versus the Buffalo Bills. I made a game winning catch with no time left on clock that led to a huge comeback. My ex badger and ex high school teammate Lee Evans also had 3 touchdowns for the Bills in same game.



BT:  You were a guy who was overlooked as far as draft position goes. Could you talk about what it felt like to get drafted at the time?

CC:Going into draft I was 20th on Mel Kipper big board and to be drafted 52nd overall and the 11th wide reciever chosen in my draft class put an instant chip on my shoulder after being passed up by several teams that I thought would Draft me in first round.  After finally realizing I will be playing pro football in beautiful South Florida I wouldn't change it for the world and was excited to start my career in pro football.



BT: People don't understand what it takes to make it in the NFL, could just speak on the work ethic and what it takes to play at a pro bowl level like you did in 2005?

CC:It's a lot of hard work that starts in the offseason where I focused on my Speed, then hard work and grind of training camp getting ready for the season and learning a new offensive system almost every year as a Dolphin. On top of all that was playing with a Russian roulette of quarterbacks. It also takes a lot if sacrifice and preperation to play at a high level.  So that means less hanging out on South Beach during the season and more of getting the right nutrition as well as Chiropractic care and massage therapy every week. Just having a great routine that works and sticking with it


BT: Being a pro-bowler in 2005 leads me to my next question which is during that year you were one of the best wide outs in the NFL with only Steve Smith and Marvin Harrison in front of you in touchdown catches. During your prime where do you see yourself ranking among the elite NFL wide receivers?


CC:During my Prime I would say that I'm a top 10 wide receiver in the 2000's.  I came in from Wisconsin as a pure athlete and over the years improved my route running which allowed me to play at a high level. In 2007 I felt the most complete as a wide reciever and in 2008 I was on my way to a great season leading the league in receiving Touchdowns the first 5 games with 5 touchdown receptions before injuring my ankle vs. the Dolphins.I would later go on to miss 3 or 4 games that season which put a dent on what was going to be a great season. I should have made 2 or 3 pro bowls during that span of my career and topped the one thousand yard Mark a few times as well.


BT:The quarterback situation wasn't the most stable when you were here in Miami, how do you think your career would have played out had that position been more stable?

CC: I think I have the record for most Touchdowns by a different quarterback haha. It was very difficult at times but I found ways to make plays no matter what the situation. I honestly believe if I had played with a more stable quarterback I could have put up close to 10,000 yards and 75 Touchdowns for my career.


BT: An interesting fact about you is that you are 1 of 3 players in Miami Dolphins franchise history to lead the team in receiving yards for 4 consecutive seasons along with Nat Moore  and Paul Warfield. In an organization that has had its fair share of pro bowl receivers where do you think you rank?

CC: Oh boy that's Tough... I would say top 3 under the circumstances. I didn't see much of Mark Duper/Clayton I just know they put up great numbers in a Dolphins uniform. Rounding out the top. 5 would be Nat Moore and OJ Mcduffie.I also think that If Brian Hartline stays consistent continues to get better in the next. 5 years he has a shot to be mention among st the best.


BT: You live in South Florida, do you still follow the Dolphins and if so what your thoughts on team overall?

CC: I follow all my former teams. I played with most of Cheifs teammates and San Diego is near to me cause that was greatest and most talented team I ever played on but the Dolphins will always be my team.  I like the direction the team is going in. Coach Philbin had a great demeanor and a Franchise quarterback like Tannehill is  a great combination for success in this league.



BT: Mike Wallace has really struggled to make those timely game changing touchdown catches, whats your take on Wallace so far and how do you think he could improve?

CC: Wallace is just starting to find his groove. He has been under thrown many times this year so I expect the timing to improve moving forward. He has never been known as a route runner or going over the middle to make tough catches. If he adds that in him game he would be a tough match for any corner to cover.



BT: I mentioned fitness earlier could you provide people more info on Chamber fitness?

CC: Chamber Fitness is a one stop shop for any athlete or person who wants to improve their health and max their potential in whatever sport they play. You will not find a better atmosphere in South FL. It's a great mix of people and closes the gap between the youth athlete and Professional athlete. Our coaches are passionate and very scientific in their approach to fitness and wellness. You can reach us at Chamberfitness.com (click here) FB /Chamber Fitness (click here), tweet @chamberfitness (click here) Instagram @chamberfitness (click here)


BT: What exactly made you want to start a fitness center?

CC: I did not choose this profession as a second career it kind of chose me. With my platform and desire to be a great role model and mentor, The Chamber Brand has the potential to be special.


BT: What would you like Chris Chambers to be most remembered for?

CC: I want people to remember that I was a humble guy who gave it his all on Sunday no matter the circumstances and really cares about giving back to the community.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Astros Prospect David Rollins Talks About His Off-season And More


I recently had the chance to interview Astros prospect David Rollins via email. The southpaw had a great 2013 season - as he was promoted from High-A Lancaster to Double-A Corpus Christi in early August. I had the chance to ask David about his stellar 2013 campaign, as well as what he is doing this off-season and what he's looking forward to next season.

Anton Joe: What do you think you did well this past season playing in the minors?

David Rollins: I think I developed myself as a pitcher real well. Kept the ball down. I feel like I had a pretty good season.

AJ: What are some things that you feel you need to improve on going into next season?

DR: I need to improve my pick off move and the curveball I've been working on.

AJ: Do you have any workout plans during the off season? (Pitching programs, workout routines, etc.)

DR: My off-season workouts consist of lifting everyday. I have recently started long-tossing and playing catch. I run everyday also. Even when the weather here in Dallas is bi-polar. Example: It was 80 something last weekend and now its 30 something haha.

AJ: Is there anyone in particular that you train with during the off season?

DR: I train with my pitching coach's son Ty Washington. He is a player in the Reds organization.

AJ: Do you plan on visiting your old schools (Carthrage High School and/or San Jancinto Junior College) in the off season?

DR: Yes. When I get home from the season I always go and show some love to the coaches at San Jac and see my old teachers from Carthage and give them baseball cards and take pics with them and all that jazz.

AJ: What's your favorite part about the off season?

DR: My favorite part of the off-season is being home with my family and friends. It's nice being with the people that have been there for me through my ups and downs.

AJ: Favorite moment of the 2013 season?

DR: Best moment was when we clinched first place in Lancaster (Astros High-A affiliate). Coming together as one big family and celebrating was a moment I'll never forget and will always treasure that for the rest of my life.

AJ: Were there any spectacular plays that you made in the 2013 season that you remember vividly?

DR: The only one I remember like it was yesterday was when I pitched against Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers High-A affiliate) and had a line drive hit back at me and I just so happened to catch it. I still play that over and over again in my head. Definitely a moment no pitcher will ever forget. Scary stuff.

AJ: What are your expectations heading into next season?

DR: My expectations for this season is to get better and keep working my way up the ladder. It's a long journey and its a tough one on top of that.


Thanks for your time once again, David. Big thanks to you!


(I interviewed David this past summer as well. If you're interested in reading that interview click here.)

You can follow David on Twitter @rawdeezy14.

Follow me on Twitter @antonjoe22 & check me out on Google+ (+Anton Joe).

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Former Vikings Great Matt Blair Discusses NFL Safety, Concussions, Life After Football And More


I recently had the pleasure of interviewing former Vikings linebacker Matt Blair via email. With a lot of controversy in the NFL surrounding concussions and player safety these days, I wanted to get his take on the topic, among other things. Here is what he had to say:

Anton Joe: What is your favorite moment of your career?

Matt Blair: It had to be simply making the Minnesota Vikings team. You always dream you’ll play professionally but to actually do it, is something else!
Some of my favorite playing moments was my rookie year in Super Bowl IX, blocking a punt for the only Vikings score. (As seen in the picture below)


Also, against the LA Rams, I intercepted a pass and ran it 99 1/2 yards to return it for a touchdown! Another one was my first interception, as a rookie against the Chicago Bears. Against the New Orleans Saints I blocked a field goal that put us in the playoffs; and another blocked punt against the Bears and returned it for a touchdown. I could go on and on…



AJ: Who was the one player in the locker room that you just loved to be around? 

MB: Hands down, my room mate, Fred McNeill. We challenged each other to make the team because he was the Vikings #1 draft pick in the linebacker position the year I was drafted.



AJ: When I asked you for this interview, you told me you were a week removed from a knee replacement. When you were in the NFL, did you ever fear for your health later in life? If so, would you have chose a different career path? 

MB: I just had both knees replaced (70 days apart) and the fear of my health and my life was never a concern when I played in the NFL. Having made over 1400 tackles, I've had one big concussion during the playoff game in 1976 against the Washington Redskins during the 4th quarter. I took down one of the greatest running backs, Calvin Hill on a passing down. I was on top of him after I make the tackle, my helmet came off, I broke a tooth, cut my chin and I was out. They carried me off the field and put me in the hospital. We won the game - which put the Vikings in the NFC Championship game - but back then, your health wasn't a factor if you played in the NFL. After that concussion, the coaches asked me if I was going to play in the game against the LA Rams for the Championship. Of course I said, "Yes!”



AJ: I see that you're a photographer. How did you get into photography? 

MB: The road I chose in life, gave me the opportunity to see different things. God shows you things along the way. My rookie year, during the offseason, I bought a camera and took a trip to Europe and started taking photos. I took over 300! I came back and showed them to my friends and family and they liked them. That encouraged me to take more photos during the offseason. The I began taking them of my teammates. I have so many photos of them, that are on slides and film, that I could do a book today of my past. I’ve completed four photo books and my first book benefited the homeless shelter in St. Paul, raising close to $100,000. My latest book is called Each Day Is A Gift.



AJ: You accomplished a lot in your 12 year career with the Vikings. Is there anything else that you wish you could have accomplished while playing in the NFL? 

MB: My only answer would be to have won a Super Bowl - that would have been the greatest!



AJ: When you played at Iowa State, what was the one thing that you were thinking about accomplishing in the NFL? 

MB: It all started in Oklahoma NEO Jr College. I was a walk-on and all I wanted was a full scholarship and to get my degree. Playing in the NFL was not on my mind at the time. I was a starting player and we won the Jr College Championships. But I still didn't have a full scholarship at the time. So, to continue in college I tried out for the basketball team and made it, which qualified me for the other half of the scholarship. Between my freshman and sophomore year, I grew 2 1/2 inches and gained 40 pounds. I ended up 6’5 1/2” and 225 pounds. Over 40 colleges came offering me scholarships and meeting with me to come play with their teams either for football or basketball. I had narrowed it down to Iowa State and Florida State. The reason I chose (Iowa State) was because Johnny Majors and Jackie Sherril (my coaches), told me that I would be placed on the fourth team on defense and I had to work my way to the first team. Working hard was a challenge and a goal I was determined to make happen.



AJ: What is your take on safety in the NFL? 

MB: The NFL is doing a better job now than they did when I played. You learn from the past so you can have a better future. Concussions are the biggest thing right now in the NFL.



AJ: What is one thing that you want people to remember you for? 

I would want people to remember me for never quitting, setting goals and working hard in life. I was one of those players who just wanted to remain positive and make big plays.

Big thanks to Matt Blair for doing this interview. You can follow him on Twitter @MattBlair59! Once again, big thanks to Matt Blair. Keep doing great things, man.

Follow me on Twitter @antonjoe22! 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

An Interview With UTSA Center Nate Leonard


I recently had the privilege of doing an interview with UTSA's starting center Nate Leonard. I asked him some questions via email & here's what he had to say:


Anton Joe: What is the one thing you absolutely love about football?

Nate Leonard: I love the comradery of the team or, as I like to call it, "the brotherhood dynamic." Just knowing that each and every one of my teammates have my back no matter what, and them knowing that I have theirs. There is nothing like the relationships that are built on a football team, and they last for a lifetime.



AJ: Do you have any superstitions? Any pregame rituals?

NL: I am a very superstitious person and always have been. When it comes to lucky clothing, I wear a pair of hot pink knee-high socks when traveling to games and on game day--up until the time I put on the game socks. I consider them lucky because I wore them on the weekends of the Tulsa and Tulane games--both huge wins for us.

When getting ready for a practice or a game, I always put on my gear from right to left. I always put on my right ankle brace before I put on my left ankle brace. I always put on my right sock before I put on my left sock. I always put my right leg in my pants before I put in my left leg...etc.

Before each offensive series, I knock on my helmet three times. I believe that it keeps me safe, kind of like knocking on wood. It has worked so far...knock on wood.




AJ: What's the story behind that awesome looking tattoo on your upper right arm? The one that looks like a lion.


NL: It is a lion in a shield, and it is awesome! It represents family, which is a huge motivation for me in everything I do in life. My last name means "Lion Hearted" and I take great "pride" (pun intended) in the fact that I take a lion-hearted attitude into all my endeavors.



AJ: You've started every game in USTA's short history. QB Eric Soza has started all but two of those games. What do you love most about playing with Soza?

I could sit here and write about all the things that everyone else writes about Eric and tell you that he a great leader and a great person, and he is, however I love playing alongside Eric because he is a playmaker. He has a knack to make explosive plays happen, and that excites the heck out of me.



AJ: Who is your favorite player to be around in the UTSA locker room?

I love being around the guy who lockers next to me, linebacker--Brandon Guerrero. He is wise well beyond his years and we naturally have a lot of conversations. He is one of those guys who you can go to with anything and he has awesome advice to give. He also has a great sense of humor. As we all know, practice is a grind, but conversations with Brandon before and after practice makes that grind a lot easier to manage.



AJ: Who is your favorite coach on the UTSA coaching staff?

NL: I have to go with the "old man," Coach Jim Marshall. Coach Marshall is my offensive line coach so I naturally spend the most time with him than any of the other coaches. He has a good dynamic with his players. He is all jokes off the field, but all business on the field, and that creates a powerful and productive relationship. My favorite thing about Coach Marshall is that he knows how to get the absolute best out of his offensive linemen.



AJ: You wrote a blog for the Huffington Post describing UTSA's 2012 season. How did that get started? Did they contact you? Did you contact them? How did it get rolling?

NL: Writing "The Diary of a College Football Player" for the Huffington Post was an absolute honor. The Huffington Post contacted our media guy, Brian Hernandez, in search for a writer who could articulately express the trials and tribulations of being a collegiate football player. I was on board from the start and ended up relating my trials and tribulations on the football field to my trials and tribulations in life. It is still an anomaly to me about how it all came about, but it was such a blessing.

(If you'd like to read Nate's blog posts, click here.)



AJ: Who's your favorite NFL player?

NL: I must admit that I am not a huge NFL fan, but I would have to say my favorite player is Cole Beasley. I played against Cole in high school as he was a senior at Little Elm while I was a sophomore at McKinney. Cole exemplifies the fact that hard work pays off and that football isn't always about size and strength, but about being a darn good football player. I see a lot of myself in him, and that's really what makes him my favorite player.


AJ: Favorite NFL team?

NL: As a Dallas boy, born and raised, I have to go with my Dallas Cowboys. We are still America's Team and that will never change.



AJ: What are some of the goals you have for the remainder of the 2013 football season?

NL: The goals that I have now for this team are the same goals that I wrote at the very beginning of August. We want a Conference USA championship and a bowl bid, and we are very much in the hunt for both of those.


Big thanks to Nate for doing this interview. You can follow him on Twitter @NateBoyNasty55. I hope to see him & the UTSA Roadrunners kick North Texas' butt next week! #GetRowdy!

Follow me on Twitter @antonjoe22!

Monday, November 4, 2013

Ben Gordon Talks About This Season, Favorite 3-Point Shooters & More



My last interview at Bobcats media day was with Bobcats swingman and 3-point sharpshooter Ben Gordon. Last season which was his first with the Bobcats he averaged 11.2 points while shooting a career low 38% from the 3-point line. Now 38% is low for most players but for a guy like Gordon who has shot as high as 43% from beyond the arc, its bad.


This season he should see a lot more open looks as the Bobcats find some minutes for him in the rotation as now they have more big men depth with additions like Al Jefferson, Cody Zeller and Anthony Tolliver. If you think about it Gordon has never really played with any big man that can command a double team like Al Jefferson so it will be interesting to see how he performs with a guy like that in the middle for the Bobcats.

During my sit-down with BG we spoke on the upcoming season, charity work and even his favorite 3-point shooters of all-time, you may be surprised at his answers. 







Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Kemba Walker Talks About Offseason, Al Jefferson, Favorite Point Guard Of All-Time & More


Last season Bobcats point guard Kemba Walker made a huge improvement. The team revamped the front court with the additions of Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller and no player looks to benefit more from it then Kemba Walker. Last season the former UCONN great placed in the top 10 among starting point guards in player efficiency rating with an 18.86.




A month ago I got a chance to talk with the Bobcats star and asked him about his off season, Al Jefferson, his favorite point guards of all-time and more.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Cody Zeller Discusses The Origins Of His Nickname, Playing His Brother, Kemba Walker & More

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With the 4th overall in this years draft the Charlotte Bobcats shocked many fans and experts by passing up on Ben Mclemore and Nerlens Noel taking Cody Zeller. This caused quite a stir with the fans but since then Charlotte basketball have warmed up to Zeller. He was one of the most impress players in the Las Vegas summer league as averaged 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds on 52% shooting. His high post ability coupled with the low post presence of Al Jefferson gives the Bobcats potentially their best front court ever.




I had a chance to speak with the former Indiana Hoosiers standout about playing with Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson as well as the origins of his nickname and more. 

Ramon Sessions Talks About Off Season, Big Men & Charlotte Hornets Name Returning


Last season the Bobcats signed South Carolina native Ramon Sessions to a one-year deal. He turned out to be one of the better players on the team averaging 14.4 points, 3.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds off the bench. The impressive thing about Sessions is his uncanny knack to get to the free throw line as he averaged just under six free throw attempts per game last season. Sessions also earned a 17.80 player efficiency rating which is almost as high as starting point guard Kemba Walker (18.86).




With the season on the horizon I got a chance to to speak with Sessions at media day about his off season, new additions to the front court and got some interesting perspective form him on the Hornets name coming back to Charlotte.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Al Jefferson Speaks On Working With Patrick Ewing, Young Guys & City Of Charlotte


A huge reason many fans in Charlotte are excited about this season is because of the signing of Al Jefferson. Charlotte locked up the Mississippi native to a 3 year-41 million-dollar deal. Jefferson brings something that Charlotte basketball fans have been thirsting for since the days of Alonzo Mourning and that’s an efficient, respectable and even sometimes dominant low post scorer. Last season Big Al averaged just under 18-points and 10-boards with the Jazz while earning a 20.99 player efficiency rating, which is pretty good.


The Jefferson signing has changed the way teams have to play the Bobcats because now they have a premier low post player in Jefferson and it will create space for Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Gerald Henderson and the rest of the team.

Another key aspect of Jefferson's game is his rebounding, he averaged 9.2 rebounds per-game last season. The Bobcats ranked 27th last year in the rebounding department so the addition of Jefferson along with Cody Zeller will certainly help Charlotte in an area they struggled heavily in last year. Another thing people will overlook about Jefferson is that he was ranked ninth in the entire NBA last season with 37 double-doubles. Adding a guy of his caliber to a team with some pieces like the Bobcats makes Charlotte a much improved and respectable squad. All he has to do now is iron out his defensive abilities.





At media day I had a chance to sit down and talk to the newly acquired big man about working with Patrick Ewing, the young players on the roster and the city of Charlotte.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Anthony Tolliver Talks About New Situation, Cody Zeller & City Of Charlotte


This off season the Bobcats added some depth in the big man department by signing journeyman Anthony Tolliver. The alum of Creighton enters his 6th season playing for his 5th team and looks to be a help to a Bobcats big man core that was weak last season.

Last season with the Atlanta Hawks Tolliver posted averages of 4.1 points, 2.5 rebounds on 38% shooting in 62 games last year. With an opportunity to play more of the power forward position this season with the Bobcats Tolliver is looking for a much improved season.

During my media day sit down with him we spoke about his new situation with the Bobcats, rookie Cody Zeller and the city of Charlotte.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Gerald Henderson Speaks On Al Jefferson Addition, Charlotte Hornets, Duke's Chances & More


Last season Charlotte Bobcats starting shooting guard Gerald Henderson averaged 15.5 points per game along with 2.6 assists and 3.7 rebounds on 44 % shooting from the field. This off season the Bobcats resigned Henderson for the next 3 years for 18 million dollars.



As the 2013-2014 season is set to begin here in a few days Henderson is focused on not only improving his numbers from last season but the teams win total this year. The Bobcats made some beneficial additions for him in Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller. With the floor spacing those two will provide in the front court Henderson will have a great chance to improve on his scoring average as well as his career high of 33 % from behind the 3-point line last season.




At Charlotte Bobcats Media day I got a chance to sit down with the former Duke Blue Devil to discuss the upcoming season as well as his off season, Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller additions, Charlotte Hornets name coming back, How he thinks Duke will do this year and a whole lot more.

Bizmack Biyombo Talks About Something To Prove, Playing Patrick Ewing 1 On 1 & More


After being picked #7 overall in the 2011 draft Bizmack Biyombo has had to mature faster in the NBA quicker then most 19 year old players would in the league. After 2 years of inconsistency Bizmack has become the odd man out with the additions of Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller. Biyombo sees things much differently though he sees his new found role on the team a learning experience and an opportunity to get better as a professional.


The Congo native was never known for his offensive ability but has established himself as one of the better rim protectors we have in the NBA today as he averaged 1.8 blocks per game last season. Averaging less then 4.8 points per game last season Biyombo has been written off by countless experts after just 2 seasons in the league but with the chance to learn from the great Patrick Ewing, Bizmac has taken it upon himself to work as hard as possible on his weakness moving forward.

He has clearly embraced his new role as a rebounder off the bench as he snatched 21 rebounds along with 9 points and 2 blocks on October 13th vs the Milwaukee Bucks in the preseason. With the extra muscle he put on in the off season Bizmack might have finally found the best role for him on the team and to play at the highest level possible.



I got a chance to sit with the Native of Congo at media day. as him and I discussed the upcoming season, playing 1 on 1 with Patrick Ewing and Al Jefferson and more

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Charlotte Bobcats Media Day 2013 (VIDEO)


Last month on September 30th I had the chance to take the trip of a lifetime as I interviewed nearly every player on my favorite team in the NBA-The Charlotte Bobcats. It was the very last Bobcats media day before the name change that will take place next season when the team re brands itself to become the Charlotte Hornets.

I was accompanied by Andrew and Matt of Trade Street Post so make sure you check them out.
It was a ton of fun as I spent time interviewing the Likes of Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Al Jefferson and Ben Gordon. I interviewed nearly every player on the roster from Gerald Henderson all the way to Jeff Adrien. I had a blast attending my very first NBA media day as I picked the brains of the players on the upcoming season among other things.

To say it was a dream come true was an understatement. It was like NBA League Pass came to life for me as one minute I see Al Jefferson, the next I see Patrick Ewing and then Kemba Walker. Made me realize that basketball players are regular people too (even if they are giants).




So without further ado I give you the official Tru School Sports 2013 trip to Charlotte Bobcats media day, hope you enjoy it. For more videos on everything sports related stay tuned to my Youtube Channel, check it out by clicking here.


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Former #2 Pick: Rick Mirer Interview




I was lucky enough to exchange a couple questions-and-answers with the #2 pick in the 1992 NFL Draft, Rick Mirer. Here's how the interview went.

Alex Strouf: You were drafted second overall 20 years ago ('93). What was the coolest thing about the draft experience?

Rick Mirer: I decided not to go to NY for the draft so I could spend the time with my family. I'm really glad I did it that way. What a day.

AS: You played for several teams over the course of your career. What was that experience like? Is there a favorite? 

RM: It was a little more moving around than I planned on, but all the stops have a story. I loved the first couple of years in Seattle with Tom Flores. What a gentleman. Green Bay was unique, San Francisco and Oakland were much easier on my growing family. I met great people all along the way.

AS: Are you happy with the way your career ended, or did you wish to stick with one team throughout your career?

RM: I'm satisfied in the fact that I stopped on my own terms. I played 12 years and woke up one day and said, that's it. It was time to stop moving and I have never regretted the decision.

AS: What's the post-NFL life like?

RM: Post football life is interesting. Quickly everything became about family which I love. Then it became time to find something to do. I have done many different things to help grow my Mirer Family Foundation, coached several years of youth football,  and I started Mirror Napa Valley in 2008. Never a dull moment.

AS: I recently saw that you coach Pop Warner football. Is there any chance you get back to your old stomping grounds of Notre Dame?

RM: Actually, coaching at Notre Dame has crossed my mind. The idea of going back intrigues me in certain ways. I miss being challenged weekly with game plans and opponents. I think I could help Brian Kelly in a variety of ways. Who knows?


Who knows is right! That was an awesome interview experience, and I would personally love to see Rick go over to Notre Dame and join the coaching staff. Special thanks to Rick Mirer for making this happen. You can donate to the Mirer Family Foundation HERE and check out Mirror Wine Company HERE.


Follow Me on Twitter! @LetsGoAlex | NFL Writer
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